Kenny’s Shapes power rankings
I was lurking around Panthers HQ on Wednesday and spotted Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny filming some content for Shapes, and road testing the new Shapes Spicy Fried Chicken. So I asked him what flavours he enjoyed most.
“You can’t go past the Big 3 – BBQ, Pizza and Chicken Crimpy,” he said.
“Chicken Crimpy is first – it’s the best palate cleanser out of all of them. It depends on the season which one comes next out of BBQ and Pizza.”
He also said he does enjoy dipping his Chicken Crimpy in French Onion dip… but wouldn’t do it for the others as “there’s too much going on if you do that”.
Fascinating, I know.
Politis in enemy territory
Roosters supremo Nick Politis was spotted in Penrith last week. But don’t worry – he wasn’t recruiting on behalf of his Bondi-based club. Politis was at Penrith City Automotive in Kingswood for the launch of the new Kia Tasman.
Palmer’s regret
Legendary strength and conditioning coach Ron Palmer came within an inch of being part of Penrith’s incredible four-time Premiership run. Palmer has revealed he was asked by Panthers coach Ivan Cleary to re-join the club mid-way through the 2021 season, but opted to stay with the Wests Tigers – out of loyalty and integrity.
Roberts cleared
Former Panthers winger James Roberts has been cleared of possessing drugs and suspected stolen cash after police withdrew charges against him at the last minute. The 32-year-old, who played for five clubs including Penrith across his 160-game NRL career, was facing charges after being pulled over by police back in July 2024. On Monday, the charges were withdrawn.
Go behind the scenes
The Western Weekender and Nectr are giving a local legend the chance to attend a Penrith Panthers training session, including an exclusive tour of the Panthers Rugby League Academy. Do you know someone who goes above and beyond? Nominate them, or yourself, for a chance to attend a Panthers training session, including an exclusive tour of the training academy. Head to https://nectr.com.au/meet-the-panthers to nominate.
Spotted
Panthers forward Liam Henry enjoying a round at Leonay Golf Club.
Can’t keep Levy down
There is no question 2GB’s Mark Levy is following the work ethic of his predecessor in Ray Hadley. Levy is on holidays from his Mornings program this week, but came off leave to call State of Origin III at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night.
Rare book pops up
Back in 1992, Greg Prichard and Gary Lester released Bound For Glory, the first detailed book looking at the history of the Penrith Panthers.
At the time, 400 leather bound limited editions signed by the Panthers 1991 Premiership team were released. Most of them are probably sitting in the collection of die-hard fans, or collecting dust on book shelves. One of them – number 370 – popped up on eBay this week.
The seller is looking for $800.
Message menace
Which young Panther should probably be careful of who he is obsessively messaging on Instagram? Time to move on, young fella.
Game time
We’re only a week away from the release of ‘Rugby League 26’ on PlayStation and Xbox. Gamers can expect a range of different modes including Career Mode and Pro Team. You can also create, train and evolve your own player across various seasons. The early signs are good – and of course, the one and only Nathan Cleary is on the cover.
Stadium on track
It may feel like slow progress but NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey told a business gathering last week that the new Penrith Stadium is on track and will open as planned in 2027. Let’s hope the weather Gods are kind in the coming year or so.
Masked Panther
The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.